Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Morocco
Morocco Topics specific to Morocco, including Western Sahara west of the berm
Photo by Stephan Hahnel, Kradwanderer, in Northern Argentina

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Stephan Hahnel,
www.krad-wanderer.de,
in Northern Argentina



Like Tree5Likes
  • 2 Post By itchyfeet38
  • 2 Post By Peter Girling
  • 1 Post By bobn

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Mar 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Porto, Portugal
Posts: 61
Ceuta 4 hours border crossing - Condition of Oued Rheris crossing!!!

Fellow Overlanders,

Kindly need an update on my forcoming trip to Morrocco on the 10/04/2014 on border crossing and on doing the classic Merzouga - Mahmid piste.

First of all i heard that there is some exgagerated delay up to 4 hours as in formalities during the border crossing from Ceuta into Morrocco these days.

Some fellow overlander from Portugal are confirming this due to escalation of disputes between Morrocco & Spain, for me it usually takes 2 hours has anybody who just came back recently felt any change.

As for other question: Any problems concerning water level in Oued Rheris crossing after El Remlia, anybody did the piste recently as i am leaving in 2 weeks time, just curious.

Would appreciate your feedback

che
__________________
Happy Travels,
ww.thegippo.wordpress.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,479
Try Tanger Med instead? never done the Ceuta crossing myself so can't comment on the time it takes to get through customs
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Mar 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Porto, Portugal
Posts: 61
Thanx Warden for your reply, yes off course Tanger Med is an 22K option that i should comtemplate if Ceuta gets complicated.

Just use to Ceuta i Guess....
__________________
Happy Travels,
ww.thegippo.wordpress.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 280
We got back from Morocco yesterday.

Went into Tangier Med so can't help re Ceuta but we did have delays with the ferries both ways. On way out got to port at 1pm for a 3pm sailing and boat left at 7pm (and took 2.5 hours). On way back arrived at port at 10.30 am for a 1pm sailing. Boat left at 6pm. We already had tickets (from Carlos) so were restricted to Acciona. It may be the problem was with them. In any event only two boats a day seemed to be going instead of the published 4 or 5.

Did Merzouga to MHamid about 3 weeks ago. Not a drop of water then but a lot of deep sand and quite difficult to find a way through dunes. On approach we went right at the building just before the Oued. Followed raised tracks through cultivated area then seemingly well used track through low dunes. This seemed to stop dead at a point about 2km from the next waypoint but we found faint tracks by walking the area and followed these out. Maybe left at that building would have been easier...

Have fun.

Last edited by itchyfeet38; 25 Mar 2014 at 00:02.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 24 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Northumberland, UK
Posts: 552
News from earlier this month re Ceuta border:- Spain to raise security around Morocco territories over immigration fears | World news | theguardian.com

Could be back to Tanger Med for a while...

Peter
__________________
Atlas Overland - Specialist adventure tour company providing off-road holidays for 4x4 enthusiasts in Europe and North Africa.
Tours to Morocco, Iceland, Arctic Circle, Portugal, Alps, Pyrenees, Eastern Europe, Corsica, and UK weekend tours.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Northumberland, UK
Posts: 552
Libya Rally in Morocco 2014

Be aware that the Libya Rally folks will be on the move next month heading the same way.
Libya Rally edition 2014 | Official site

Don't get in the way of one of these:-


The motos stop for no-one too!


Happy trails,

Peter
__________________
Atlas Overland - Specialist adventure tour company providing off-road holidays for 4x4 enthusiasts in Europe and North Africa.
Tours to Morocco, Iceland, Arctic Circle, Portugal, Alps, Pyrenees, Eastern Europe, Corsica, and UK weekend tours.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 25 Mar 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: United kingdom
Posts: 34
I would take sailing times as being approximations only. Went Algeciras - Tangier-Med two months ago. Was supposed to leave at 1.30pm, left about 3.30pm. Coming back, should have left at 11.00am, actually left at 12.30. Each trip was a different ferry company.

regards,

Bob
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 25 Mar 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Porto, Portugal
Posts: 61
I think i will miss them as i am on the move on the 10th and they are hitting Morrocco on the Semana Santa 16-17/04/2014...

My plan is to get on the first Acciona ferry at 08:00 am and be early on the border, always worked for me!!!
__________________
Happy Travels,
ww.thegippo.wordpress.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 25 Mar 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Porto, Portugal
Posts: 61
Quote:
Originally Posted by itchyfeet38 View Post


Did Merzouga to MHamid about 3 weeks ago. Not a drop of water then but a lot of deep sand and quite difficult to find a way through dunes. On approach we went right at the building just before the Oued. Followed raised tracks through cultivated area then seemingly well used track through low dunes. This seemed to stop dead at a point about 2km from the next waypoint but we found faint tracks by walking the area and followed these out. Maybe left at that building would have been easier...

Have fun.
Thanx Itchy i did this track up North the crossing near the lost city, it was pretty easy i just had to pass a range of small dunette to reach the crossing, the crossing itself was a rocky & nice slow stream of water.

Therefore what you are telling me that the crossing at El Ramelia has a sandy range from both sides of the crossing and is a bite more complicated east of the crossing in General i can see on GE & on Oalf (Bad Dunes)

I am taking my family so i prefer to be prepared and that is why i am asking..
__________________
Happy Travels,
ww.thegippo.wordpress.com
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 25 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 280
Quote:
Originally Posted by bobn View Post
I would take sailing times as being approximations only. Went Algeciras - Tangier-Med two months ago. Was supposed to leave at 1.30pm, left about 3.30pm. Coming back, should have left at 11.00am, actually left at 12.30. Each trip was a different ferry company.

regards,

Bob
I agree 2/3 hours is to be expected but both times we crossed Algeciras/tangier Med (10th Feb and 18th March) we had to wait 6 hours + and arrived at night. This was with an open return with Acciona. Only seemed to be one or two sailings a day despite a timetable showing 5 sailings. Given my time over I would go to the port and just buy a ticket for the next sailing rather than being restricted to the one line. But maybe we were unlucky.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 29 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,461
Went Sete-Nador for the first time in December.
The Nador border crossing was the easiest I have experienced in Africa - we didn't even realize we were in Morocco!
And it took 15 minutes.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 23 Apr 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Porto, Portugal
Posts: 61
Just back from Morrocco after 11 days , 4000km, a quick refresh for the overlanders that updated me.

I bought my my tickets from Arnal Viajens ( Tino) on acciona @ 233 Euros (1 car+ 2 adults+ 2 kids).

Frontier crossing ( Ceuta - Morrocco) took us 1 hour for formalities ( was on the 8:00 am Ferry from Algeciers to Ceuta)

Frontier crossing ( Morrocco- ceuta ) took us 1 1/2 hour for formalities (arrived in time to catch the last Sunday ferry @ 22:14 pm ferry from ceuta to Algeciras)

Was very smooth with no problems or delays did not witness any 5 hours delays either in formilities or ferry delays.


Itchy i went as well RIGHT from the building after the small bridge there were well raised tracks all the way to the crossing (no problems here) . We got stuck ( part of the fun) on the last dune range but contrary to you we got confused with the so many tracks going everywhere.

Now that i did both crossing north and south, I personally prefer the north one close to Oasis Mharech.

Happy Travels

Che
__________________
Happy Travels,
ww.thegippo.wordpress.com
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Finding Freedom...World Wide Ride saralou Ride Tales 3473 24 Jan 2024 02:40
Complete Central America/Mexico/Colombia Border Crossing Information sellheim Central America and Mexico 30 6 Mar 2023 23:33
Caucasus and Central Asia - visa and border crossing info crash Northern and Central Asia 19 4 Mar 2013 16:22
Border Crossing Information for Central and South America - Sept 2012 onwards ferretface Trip Paperwork 5 22 Feb 2013 15:19
HondaVsTheWorld Alaska to Argentina on HOnda C90 SPDilley North America 3 9 Dec 2012 18:04

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025:

  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025!
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • France: September 19-21 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 20:03.